Cystic Acne Pimples

Unfortunately, these cyst-like pimples that can last for months, and can range from mild to severe. For mild cases where a patient just has a few persistent cystic lesions, a physician or dermatologist will typically inject a steroid directly into the cyst to help shrink it. In addition to the injections, the doctor will probably prescribe the daily use of a topical retinoid such as Retin A. Retinoids can help to modify the skin chemically, making it less prone to these cystic type lesions. When cystic acne is severe it can be treated with Accutane, which can cure the condition. However, Accutane has many serious side effects so patients should carefully discuss the risks and benefits with their dermatologist before beginning any treatment cycle with this medication. Other types of topical medications generally don't work with cysts. Besides the steroid injections and topical retinoids, the dermatologist may also introduce oral antibiotics in the treatment of cystic acne. Antibiotics can be helpful by decreasing the inflammation often associated with these lesions.

One of the worst things anyone can do is to pick at a cyst. Squeezing a cyst breaks actually breaks open the delicate hair follicle shaft where the infection originated. The breakdown of the follicle structure allows inflammatory contents to flood into the dermis and subcutaneous skin layers. The infection becomes much more widespread, and the area will look very red for weeks. In darker-skinned patients, squeezing a cyst will leave discoloration called hyperpigmentation. Lighter skin types don't suffer the pigment problem quite as much, but permanent scars may disfigure the affected area for life.

Articles on Cystic Acne:

• Cystic Acne and Accutane
• Treating Cystic Acne
• Causes Of Cystic Acne
• Cystic Acne and Antibiotics